Disclaimer - This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
A/N: OK. This chapter title is taken from the ones that JKR published. I know the number does not match, but the title matches the chapter story, so I used it. Thanks for all the reviews. I hope to keep up to your expectations. I am hoping to increase the length of the chapters but I cannot guarantee that all chapters will be long. Some may be short depending upon the content. So, without further ado, I present to you the next chapter. Reviewers, please look at the end of the chapter for comments from me.
Chapter 4 - Spinners End
Taking leave of Harry, Albus Dumbledore apparated in the lobby of the Ministry building. He was once again reminded of the confrontation he had with Voldemort in the Atrium a few days back. He headed straight to the security desk. When the necessary procedures were completed, he made his way to the Minister's office. He had to pass through many corridors as the ministry building was quite huge and the Minister's office was on the far side. On the way he met many people who recognized him. A few people who had never seen him up close were left watching with their mouths open with admiration as he passed them. He greeted everyone with a smile and few words were exchanged among acquaintances. A realisation slowly formed in his head when he saw the reactions of all the people. Harry had definitely hit the bullseye.
He finally was able to reach his destination twenty minutes since the time he apparated here. He was greeted there by the Minister's personal assistant, Jim Woodbridge. Jim had graduated from Hogwarts a decade ago and now had progressed this far in his career. When Jim saw the Headmaster entering the office, he immediately entered to welcome him.
"Hello Headmaster Dumbledore. How are you Sir?" he said while shaking Dumbledore's hand.
"Good evening Jim. I'm fine, thank you. Quite a decent progress you have made here." the Headmaster replied.
"Not too much Sir. Please be seated while I inform the Minister of your arrival."
He gestured to a side of the room where plush sofas were situated. He then promptly turned back and entered the Minister's cabin.
Cornelius Fudge was sitting in his office viewing the various notices he had received demanding that he resign immediately. The number of hate mails he received everyday was constantly increasing. He didn't know how long he could retain the Minister's position. The mistake of not acknowledging the return of You-Know-Who had given him the peoples' support for a year. But now when the truth was revealed, the blame had come to rest on his head where it originally belonged.
He was brought back to attention when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in.", he answered somewhat irritated at being disturbed.
Jim opened the door, stepped inside and closed it behind him.
"Sir, Headmaster Dumbledore is here to meet you."
Fir a moment, Fudge wondered whether Dumbledore was also here to demand his resignation but squashed the thought immediately.
"Very well Woodbridge. Please send him in."
A couple of minutes later, Jim reappeared in the external office and walked over to the Headmaster.
"The Minister will see you now Headmaster."
"Thank you Jim."
Dumbledore entered the Minister's cabin and Fudge moved to the front to welcome him.
"Good evening Cornelius." the Headmaster greeted politely.
"Good evening Headmaster Dumbledore. Please take a seat." the Minister said shaking hands apprehensively and gestured him to take a seat.
"Thank you."
"How may I be of service to you Headmaster?"
Dumbledore surveyed the Minister over his half-moon spectacles. He decided to perform minor legilimency on him while talking so he could verify whatever he said.
"Cornelius, you know the current state of affairs of our world. The people are very unhappy with the government's working and as you may have guessed, there are not many days remaining for you to keep occupying the position."
The minister visibly squirmed in his seat. The Headmaster continued as if nothing was wrong.
"I have not come here to demand your resignation as you think now but to extend my help and that of a certain individual. But first I must tell you that I have no concern that your post be vacated. I am doing this not as a favour to you but for the overall good of the wizarding world. We will support you because this government should not fall now. Cornelius, you may be aware that Voldemort…"
The Minister flinched.
"… is lying low at the moment but the moment will pass soon. You have to act now before he makes a move. If you cannot gain the people's trust, the ministry will fall. Such a situation would be like a welcoming feast for the Dark Lord and any control whatsoever we have will be lost. The number of people who work for him has dramatically increased within the last year. If you had paid any attention to young Harry Potter then, this wouldn't have happened. But what's done is done.
Since you do not have the people's support, we have decided to stand by your side till the situation comes under control. If you accept the help you may retain your position effectively curbing the advances of the dark side. But you have to take steps in the right direction to do so. Now, do you accept?"
"Who is this other individual?" the Minister asked with a trace of hope in his eyes.
"Harry Potter.", the Headmaster replied serenely.
The Minister was now so shocked that he was sitting in his chair with his mouth opening and closing but no words came out of it. He did not know why Harry was offering support to him. The entire last year he had spent criticizing the young man and now he was not even attacking him. Anybody else in his place would surely have skinned Fudge alive but he was helping him. For a moment he thought he heard the wrong name.
"Sorry Headmaster but I didn't get it. I thought you said Harry Potter."
"You heard the right thing Cornelius. He has indeed agreed to help stabilize the government; in fact this whole meeting taking place is by his proposal. I am merely here to inform you. I may also tell you that he has not forgiven you for how you treated him last year. But his sole aim in life is to fight the dark. He only agreed to do so because he does not want Voldemort to gain control. His support along with my assistance alone can keep this government running. Once the threat is over he may never support the likes of you, but for now he must do so for our own sake.
He has asked me to setup a meeting with you. Since he himself is unable to come out due to the threat on his life, he has requested you to come to meet at his place. I believe you can arrange that, Cornelius."
Fudge nodded at this with excitement since the support of two of the most famous wizards was never easy to obtain and he would well be damned that he let it go.
"When shall I get to meet him?"
"He has asked to meet in the afternoon, perhaps tomorrow at 2 pm. I will leave you two to take care of the business. However, you will have to convince him to earn his support. He may even make legitimate demands from you, and I say legitimate, so if you agree to his terms, then you will have earned his support. Try to ignore his family, if present. Those people do not react well to magical folks so I would suggest you to be accompanied by a couple of aurors, just in case if matters get out of hand."
"Very well, Headmaster. I will look forward to tomorrows meeting. I shall send him an official letter immediately informing him of it."
The Headmaster rose and after shaking hands with the Minister started to make his way out.
"One more thing Cornelius; do not try to act pompous or self-important. He may not take it well. He gives respect to everyone, but in your case, you may never earn it."
He made his way out leaving the Minister deep in thought.
To sum it up in three words, Harry was bored. It was Friday night and he was sitting on his bed staring at the ceiling. Dumbledore had come earlier and had agreed on his plan to support Fudge. Now he was waiting for a reply confirming the meeting between him and the great imbecile. He had finished going over his journal twice till now. He had also made notes regarding what he was going to talk to Fudge about. He was a little apprehensive about the meeting but he was sure he had the upper hand. He sure wanted to give Fudge what he deserved but now was not the time. He would exact his revenge in a sweet manner instead. That way he could get some things to at least make up for the losses of last year. He knew that not everything he had lost could be returned but what he wanted could save his life in the future.
So engrossed he was in his thoughts that he did not notice the large brown barn owl that entered through the open window and settled on his desk. He was thoroughly startled when it gave a loud screech and lifted its leg to indicate the letter. He peered at the letter first trying to find if it was safe or not. He immediately recognized the Ministry seal on the letter and removed it. After last year, letters from the Ministry weren't new to him. The owl flew out of the window as soon as the burden was removed. He opened the letter and read it.
Mr. Harry James Potter,
The Smallest Bedroom,
No. 4, Privet Drive,
Little Whinging.
Dear Mr. Potter,
This is to inform you that in accordance with your request, the Minister of Magic Mr. Cornelius Fudge will be arriving to visit you tomorrow at 2 pm. Please remain in attendance at the determined time.
Hoping you are well,
Yours sincerely,
Jim Woodbridge,
Personal Assistant to the Minister of Magic,
Ministry of Magic.
Harry read the letter again and sighed. Fudge was coming tomorrow and he wondered whether the fool would listen to his demands. He would if he knows what's good for him, Harry thought. If he would not listen then he would no longer be the Minister of Magic, this much was clear. If Harry and Dumbledore stood opposing him, it would be the final nail in his coffin. He sighed again and ran a hand through his already messy hair.
Tomorrow would never come early for him.
Saturday morning arrived and Harry awoke to find bright sunlight streaming through his window. Hedwig was sitting in her cage cleaning her snowy feathers. She hooted to him. Perhaps to greet Good morning, he thought.
"Good morning to you, too." he chuckled.
She hooted again and resumed her work. Harry sprang out of his bed and headed to get cleaned up. Fudge would be arriving in the afternoon and he wanted to clean his room. While it was not untidy, it surely was messy. Parchments were lying around the room due to the breeze. His clothes, books and other things were also making the room quite unimpressive.
After a quick shower, he went down to have breakfast. The warnings of the order had forced the Dursleys to do their own work and so far saved Harry from a lot of manual labour which was of course free of charge. Vernon had the day off and was seated at the table going over the newspaper and Dudley was watching some program on his TV set. Aunt Petunia was left to prepare breakfast.
The time passed in relative silence for Harry. Except the occasional comments made by aunt Petunia about their neighbours, the table was silent. Sure there were the sounds of Dudley and Vernon chomping the food but that was commonplace. When breakfast was finished, Harry decided to tell the news to his relatives.
"Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, the Minister of Magic for England is coming to visit today in the afternoon. Please excuse us and you will have no trouble."
Saying this, he made his way to his room leaving the red-faced Dursleys.
He arrived back in his room and began cleaning it. His frustration was rising since he could not do magic. But he ignored it as he was accustomed to doing chores for his relatives. In a couple of hours the room looked much better than it originally did. All his clothes were neatly folded and packed inside his trunk. His desk was also properly arranged with the parchments stacked neatly and quills placed with the ink bottles to one side. His books were well arranged on the other side of the desk. He also cleaned Hedwig's cage leaving it sparkling clean. She thanked him by hooting her thanks and nipping affectionately on his finger.
Harry was almost finished when Pigwidgeon zoomed through the window and began flying in circles near the ceiling. He stared at the over-excited bird for some time waiting for it to calm down. It finally flew a little near him and he stretched out his hand catching the small ball of fur with his amazing seeker reflexes while Hedwig hooted at it with contempt. Harry removed the three letters attached to its leg and set it near Hedwig's cage. He looked them over and recognized them being from Ron, Hermione and surprisingly Ginny. He decided to read them when he finished cleaning his room.
Harry finally settled back on his bed with the letters on his lap. He opened Ron's letter first.
Harry,
How are you mate? Everything is fine here. Well, except for the explosions from Fred and George's room that is. Mum had a fit yesterday when they filled the house with some vile smell. But overall everything is fine now. Dad is constantly running to the ministry and is rarely at home.
Percy is still being a git. He has still not apologised to mum and dad. Bill has moved here permanently and Charlie is staying here for the holidays. Ginny is, well being Ginny. You know I can't describe how girls work. Complete barmy, all of those.
All of us are mad at the git. Fred and George were even planning to prank him in his office. They had almost succeeded but Dad caught them and told them off. So imagine when mum got news about this, she was hysterical. She was apparently going to kill Mundungus 'cause she thought he had given them the money by making them work for him. But they told her that old Dung was innocent (Can you believe that?) and that they had a rather respectable financial investor. So I will advise you to stay away from mum when you come here.
Speaking of which, mum and dad are constantly trying to talk to Dumbledore to bring you here, especially mum. So far, they have not been successful, but Dumbledore says he will take you away from there as soon as possible, perhaps to you-know-where.
Ginny has also written you a letter. Dunno what's she's written. She won't tell me. I am sending Pig to Hermione first so even she can send you one.
Okay. I'll go now mum's calling for dinner. See you soon.
Ron.
Harry smiled after reading the familiar messy scrawl. Trust Ron to give you the Burrow news. The Weekly Burrow! He laughed to himself. He opened Hermione's letter next which was, as always, in the neatest handwriting he had ever seen.
Dear Harry,
How are the Dursleys treating you? If they are giving you any kind of trouble, write to the Order immediately. I know Moody and Professor Lupin will hex them into the next week for good.
Anyways, mum and dad have arranged a tour to Australia. I can't believe I am going there! You know I had always dreamed of visiting the beaches there. But I hope I get to visit the wizarding libraries there. (Harry snickered at this.) They have various different spells there that are not used here. I wish I could practice magic. That way I could learn them in the holidays. Now I have to wait till school starts to practice.
Take care of yourself Harry and write to the Order regularly. If you scar hurts, contact Professor Dumbledore immediately. And above all stay safe. We are leaving tomorrow. I will write to you when we return home.
See you soon.
With love,
Hermione.
Hermione's letter was the shortest one she had ever sent. Perhaps she was in too much hurry to pack all the books she needed to take. But it was informative nonetheless. Harry opened Ginny's letter next. Until now she had never sent him a letter. So he was quite eager to read what she had written.
Dear Harry,
I know you must be wondering why I sent you a letter when I have never done so. So my answer is: 'There is always a first time'. I figured that everyone who sends you a letter had to send you the first one. So this is my first one.
Now onto serious matter. I can imagine how guilty you must be feeling Harry for Sirius' death. Remember that the same thing happened to me in my first year. But no lasting harm was done when you saved me from the monster. When the year ended, I would always have nightmares. I had already taken a guilt trip by then. I don't think I have ever thanked you for saving me, so THANK YOU.
Now as I was saying, do not feel guilty for his death. You should feel sad but not guilty. It was not your fault. I was too young to realize this at that time but I think you are old enough to understand this. I don't mean that you should forget him but you should cherish what good moments you shared with him. Remember him but do not feel guilty. Think how sad he will feel if he sees you are sulking all your life.
Please believe me when I say this Harry. I have found your friendship to be one the most valuable things in my life and I don't want to lose it by your sulk all life.
Now enough of my blabbering. I think you got the message by now. I know that Ron and Hermione will not touch this subject 'cause nothing like this has happened to them and so I am the only one left to talk some sense in you.
I hope you got the news about our place from Ron, so there's no good if I repeat it. I think I will just stop now.
Take care,
Ginny.
P.S. - Please don't be mad at me for writing to you and lecturing you.
Harry read the letter once again to believe what he had read earlier. This was by far the most intelligent letter he had received in his life. And that too from a girl a year younger than him. He knew that even she had suffered much in her life. Fate has a way to teach people the workings of life, he mused. Though he no longer felt as much guilt as earlier, the loss was still there. He did not know if the feeling would ever go. He also wondered if she was really over her crush on him. The last year, she had been as friendly with him as Ron and Hermione. He decided to worry about that later.
For now, he had to get ready to meet Mr. Moronic Minister. He was the one weaving the web. He had all the yarn to do so and the Minister would be trapped in it. He was, for once in his life, on the Spinners End.
Lunch was a quiet affair, quiet except for the fact that Vernon looked ready to explode. He would never get used to the idea of freaks showing on his doorstep. Earlier, he would have had a fit. But the fear of getting hexed by the Order was too much for him to act rashly. He would rather spend his timing fuming. Half-way through lunch, Vernon broke the silence.
"Boy, you say the Minister for your kind is coming here. I can't believe your kind has a ministry. What does he want in my house?" he asked grumpily.
"He has a meeting with me to discuss certain things." Harry replied plainly.
"Is he going to expel you?" he asked somewhat hopefully.
"Unfortunately, uncle Vernon, he doesn't have the power to do so. For that matter no one has a say in that case."
"Then why is he coming here to meet you? If he is the Minister, why hasn't he summoned you to meet him?"
"Because, he wants my help in a certain matter. He wants me to do a certain favour for him."
"What help can you give him boy? You were left on our doorsteps when you were a year old. You don't have anything to give him." he smirked.
"You shouldn't talk about things you don't know, uncle Vernon. You don't know about my status in the wizarding world. He is coming here because he wants my support in his political career. If I side with him, he retains his Minister's position. If I say a word against him, he will be sent to prison for the rest of his life. Now, I expect you people to stay away from us. If you don't, then I will assure you that his guards will not think twice before cursing the hell out of you. After all, he is the Minister."
After his little impromptu speech, the time was spent in silence. His aunt and cousin who had remained silent during the entire conversation were staring daggers at him and his uncle was red with rage. After finishing his meal, Harry decided to wait in his room till the Minister's arrival. He would go down just before he arrived.
When Harry reached his room again, he was surprised to see a large barn owl sitting on his desk. Who else would have written to me?, he wondered. He walked up to his desk and saw that it looked like a normal post owl. He briefly wondered if he should not remove the letter but the bird sensing his thoughts lifted its leg and hooted to him to remove it. He reluctantly removed the letter and the bird took flight immediately. He looked at the note and received another surprise. It was from Tonks. He wondered what she would be writing to him, of all people. Not that I mind, of course, he added internally. He opened the letter a little more enthusiastically than was needed. Flopping down on his bed, he read the letter as his mind raced with images of Tonks.
Wotcher Harry,
Bet you're surprised to see my letter. Well, I was just getting bored sitting here at the ministry desk, working with papers. Stupid idiots have given me a desk job. Anyways, I decided to write a letter and guess who's name came out of the list. No prize for guessing 'cause the list contained only one name and that was yours. You didn't think I would be writing to a bunch of old people, did you? You were the only one of my age and I guessed the only one as bored as I am. Though I think you would even enjoy my job instead of living with those horrible creatures.
That's besides the point anyways. I wanted to tell you that many Order members are badgering Dumbledore to remove you from that place. Can you believe that even McGonagall was heard talking to him. I think she has a soft spot for you. Usually, she puts up her poker face, but when you are the subject, anyone can clearly read her expressions.
Anyways, what interesting things are you planning for the summer. Please include me also since my condition is not different from yours. I think you will be happy to know that you are not the only one getting bored and we can both benefit from a change. Don't tell anyone I told you that. I was just joking.
By the way, if the Dursleys give you any kind of trouble, just write to me or anyone from the Order. I will see to it that they learn some manners. I am coming to meet you tomorrow (that is, if you don't mind). I guess I will see you then.
I will end this now, 'cause Kingsley will be back any minute and if he sees me writing letters, he will sack me.
See you soon,
Tonks.
Harry's mood lifted quite a bit after reading the letter. You don't know how true you are, Tonks. I will see to it that we both will have quite a change very soon, he mused. He put the letter away for safekeeping and went downstairs to wait for Fudge.
At exactly a minute before 2 pm, the sound of a car arriving outside the house was heard and Harry got up to open the door. Uncle Vernon along with aunt Petunia and Dudley were right behind him, trying to look over his shoulders. Opening the door, Harry looked outside and was amazed at what he saw. Outside was the longest limousine he had ever seen, almost 20 feet long and completely black. Even the windows were black tinted. Harry's relatives were watching the scene with eyes almost popping out of their sockets.
Three men were walking towards the house, two in simple grey suits and one in a royal black tuxedo. The grey ones were tailing the black one and Harry reckoned they must have been security guards. Harry recognized the man in the black tuxedo immediately. As if I could ever forget him, he thought sarcastically. After all, he was meeting the one and only one, Mr. Incompetent Buffoon.
When the three men neared the front door, they were greeted by Harry, his wand in his hand, as always. The two guards immediately had their wand drawn and pointed at Harry.
"How can I believe that you are the real Minister of Magic and not some disguised Death Eater?" Harry asked calmly.
The guards relaxed slightly when they saw no curses were sent but maintained their guard.
"You can remember the little incident that occurred in your third year Mr. Potter. I believe we had to sort out your flying and inflated relative." Fudge stepped forward and murmured in Harry's ear.
Harry gave Fudge a small smile reminiscing and lowering his wand welcomed them in the house. The two guards also lowered their wands and followed the Minister inside.
"I apologize about that Minister Fudge, but you know I can't take chances."
"It's alright, Mr. Potter. For a moment I thought you were going to attack, but the concern for your security has a high priority."
"Thank you. Now let me introduce you to err... my family. This is my uncle Mr. Vernon Dursley, my aunt Mrs. Petunia Dursley and my cousin Dudley Dursley." Mr. Walrus, Mrs. Horseneck and Baby-Whale, he added internally, indicating to each one in turn. "Everyone, this is Mr. Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic for England."
After some cordial handshakes during which the Dursleys were afraid something would happen to them, Harry invited Fudge to continue their discussion in his room. The guards had been told to wait in the foyer. He indicated the Minister to the chair and sat on the bed facing him.
"I apologize once again Minister. But when people are out there to kill you, you can't be too complacent. Also I apologize for the trouble you had to take to come here. Unfortunately I am jailed here for the summer for my own security. It is not the best place, but is the only one secure enough to keep me alive."
"There's no need to apologize Mr. Potter. As I said before, your security is of the topmost concern." he said smiling.
"Thank you once again, Mr. Fudge. Now, I believe, we should get down to business."
"Yes Mr. Potter. Headmaster Dumbledore has told me about the proposal for provision of support. In fact he said that this was actually your own thinking and the Headmaster was just the messenger."
"That is correct, Mr. Fudge. This is indeed my plan and though I may gain something from that, it is not the main reason behind it. If the government falls, Voldemort …"
The Minister flinched but Harry ignored it and continued.
"… won't wait to attack during the unrest or form a government with one of his Death Eater as Minister. Both the situations are extremely bad for the entire wizarding world. I believe that if we support you then at least the people will calm down long enough for us to reorganize."
"I must thank you for the help Mr. Potter. I don't believe that I can even ask you for forgiveness seeing how I treated you last year. But what you are doing is indeed more than I have expected."
"That it may be Mr. Fudge. I am doing what I can for the good of everyone and that includes even me. The people don't consider this while demanding your resignation, but we have to. They don't understand what is necessary and what is not. They only live to criticize others. I know that all too well."
"I am aware of that Mr. Potter. I don't think I can repair the defamation I have caused to you and the Headmaster but I will assure you that I have learned my lesson. I haven't done much, sitting on my position until now except see my own good, but now I will do whatever I can for the good of the world. The Ministry will do whatever it can against the dark and with your help; we will defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named forever. Please trust me this once Mr. Potter"
"If Professor Dumbledore trusts you, Mr. Fudge, then there is no reason for me not to do so. You can settle how we can publicize this issue with him. I can tell you to heed his advice. His experience in this matter will certainly help you. Everyone tells him to become the Minister, but he knows where he truly belongs. His love for his students has always kept him away from actively partaking in politics. I can assure you that he will not take away that position from you." Harry said with a smile.
"That I am aware of Mr. Potter. He is a great man and his help will always be welcome. Now how can I be of help to you Mr. Potter?"
"Mr. Fudge, indeed as you require my help, so do I require yours. The difference being that my help will help you keep your position and cause peace in the community while your help will enable me to live a little longer."
"How so?"
"The so-called Dark Lord," Harry decided to spare the Minister from flinching everytime, "however powerful, still acts as an immature idiot. He believes that since I made him vanish from his body for thirteen years, he has to exact his revenge by killing me. He had made it pretty clear to me when he was reincarnated. If it weren't for the fact that we have brother wands, no one would have even seen mine or Cedric's corpse since that day. On second thought, he would have brought mine back just to parade it in front of everyone. He would have absolutely loved to gloat that he killed the Boy-Who-Just-Wouldn't-Die. What I believe Mr. Fudge is 'Offence is the best Defence'. I have survived all these years due to sheer dumb luck. But when he is continuously growing in power, I don't know if I can live to even complete my education at Hogwarts. So, all I am asking from you is basically an exemption from the restriction of use of underage magic. Professor Dumbledore believes that if I can practice magic, I can at least survive a decent amount of time before I have to be rescued during an attack."
"Quite understandable Mr. Potter. I will personally speak with Madam Bones and Madam Hopkirk about this and make certain that the restriction is removed by tomorrow. Anything else Mr. Potter?"
"Yes, well there are some things, not as important as this but I believe even that will not be unjustifiable. First will be the removal of my lifetime Quidditch ban, it is the only thing I live for. Second, removing the so called educational decrees issued last year by your beloved Undersecretary Ms. Umbridge, and mind you, all of them. Third will be that I want to press charges against her for the use of illegal Blood Quills on students and the threat of using the Cruciatus Curse on the Boy-Who-Lived. Fourth …"
But Harry was interrupted by the Minister.
"She used the Cruciatus on you?" he all but shrieked.
"She threatened to use it and would have done it had Hermione, one of my friends not stopped her. I have witnesses to this event and can verify under Veritaserum."
"I am sorry about that Mr. Potter. I never knew what was going on behind my back."
"That is now a matter of the past Minister. Now, as I was saying, yes, fourth, I believe a License to Apparate will be good and fifth is the most important of these. Ms. Tonks, who works as an auror in the Ministry should be nominated as my trainer."
"Any particular reason why you would like Ms. Tonks, Mr. Potter? We have other qualified aurors who would do a much better job."
"That may be the case Mr. Fudge, but she has been chosen with some reasons. The main reason is obviously because she is an auror. Secondly she is a metamorphmagus and can easily disguise herself and protect me when I need to go out and thirdly she can pose as an exchange student during the rest of the year, ensuring my safety. Thus, I have my personal bodyguard-cum-trainer. Other than that, there is also the fact that I know her personally and trust her implicitly."
"Very well Mr. Potter. All the mentioned things will be taken care of. I believe that you have thought this out completely."
"I didn't have any other choice, did I? If you have to survive, planning is needed."
"Indeed that is true, Mr. Potter. I will take your leave now if everything has been discussed. You'll hear shortly regarding the issues."
"One more favour, if you will, Mr. Fudge." Harry said, the gears in his brain turning rapidly. "Officially, you will be terminating the service of Ms. Tonks to avoid suspicion. Sent her a letter on Monday, perhaps. Give any reason for the record like she is too clumsy or whatever to be an auror. Unofficially, she will be working with me and is not to be informed about the job. I will like to do it personally. She will get an increase in pay, am I correct to assume, for the additional tasks?"
"Are you sure you are not in Slytherin, Mr. Potter? From what I am seeing now, one day you will be a great politician." he said chuckling.
"Not in this life Mr. Fudge."
"Anyways, everything will be done as requested and as early as possible Mr. Potter. I shall take your leave now. Goodbye, Mr. Potter. Take care."
"Goodbye, Mr. Fudge. Please discuss any difficult issues with the Headmaster."
Fudge nodded and stepped out of the room. Harry escorted the Minister to the front door, shaking hands one last time, closed the door behind him and retreated to his room a contended smile on his face.
Life was suddenly going to be so much better.
Author's Notes:
1) First of all, my Greatest Apologies to all my readers who have taken time to read my story, for not posting sooner. This blasted box of metal and wires has given me loads of trouble till now but none so serious as this. The junk is still not working properly so updates maybe a little late.
2) Also 'SPECIAL THANKS' to 'Himanshu' (he is my friend, so thanks is not a compulsion) for agreeing to beta-read my story. If anything is bad, please blame him and not me. ROTFLMAO.
3) Thanks to 'TRX' (good fellow really) who advised me to remove the A/N posted as Chapter 4. Sorry but I had to warn my readers.
4) Thanks to 'Hatchetryda' who even volunteered to help repair my PC. Sorry but I definitely require a new HDD and also have to format the old one..
5) Also Thanks to everyone who has reviewed and encouraged me to keep going on..
6) To 'PzkwVIb': How can you say that there is no evidence? Read Chapter 25 of OotP again. It is mentioned that Harry met Lee who had the back of his hand bleeding rather badly in detention after introduction of educational decree number twenty-six. Surely you can put two and two together and not get five.
And even if there was no evidence of more than one blood quill being used in canon, I think why the hell can't I, as an author, use the piece of information as my own. I was actually wondering if anyone would pick this out and behold, you reckoned it. Congratulations. And the grammar problem was due to the non-cooperating MS Word grammar checker. I have corrected it, by the way.
7) To 'HermioneGreen': Harry could have used the mirror from the time it was given to him. But he didn't and so he berates himself. Also, though Remus is not the secret-keeper for the Order, there is nothing preventing him or anyone else who knows what that place is from using the name. Though no one uses it in 'OotP' for the fear that anyone may hear them, it is used a few times in speech. And I figured that an Order member like Remus would be able to tell it. Apropos, I wasn't able to think of anything else. You can also look at Uten's reply who, by the way, has also expounded it better.
8)Excuses to anyone who is not satisfied with how I have handled Fudge. I certainly can't have Harry beat him into a bloody pulp now, can I? He has to do a little manipulation of the idiot and hence tact is required. Just a little Slytherin side of Harry.
9) People waiting for the Honks parts will have to wait for some more time I am afraid. I can't start the fluff along with the angst. Something special (wink, wink) planned for their first meeting and for the rest to come. Free Cookies to anyone who can guess what happens during their first meeting. You can also visit my website and leave messages in my Guest-Book. The address is given on my bio-page.
10) Finally, Please Review. Your responses keep the story alive and I must say so far it is doing fine, if not outright good. As always, Constructive Criticism is more than welcome.
Thanks to all.